It’s a winning combo – a menu full of reinvented classics, an old school fit out and even more old-fashioned service. And by tapping into our longing for the ‘old Gold Coast,’ Pop’s Milk Bar could be the ultimate testament to the power of nostalgia.
It may be a new venue, but Pop’s has its roots firmly planted in the past. Inspired by the milk bars of the 1950s and 60s, Pop’s is about more than just food – it’s about memories.
Owner Jem Jacinto says the milk bar came about through good old-fashioned connections. The landlord of two of his Brisbane venues (Jem created Goldie favourites Finn Poke and Two Yolks, too) told him about a new opening at Southport Park, and the wheels started turning.
“Southport Park has two clear demographics – older people and families with kids,” Jem explains. “None of our existing brands would have worked there, so we created one.”
For some, Pop’s Milk Bar is a tribute to their childhoods. For others, it’s a novelty. In an era where fast food chains and Instagram-able fit outs reign supreme, Pop’s aims to remind us of simpler times.
“Good old-fashioned service, a smile, and a chat can make all the difference,” says Jem. “For some people, this might be their big outing of the week, so we try to make it fun. We already have a few regulars who love the old rock and roll music we play.”
One such regular is Leo, an older gentleman who, despite using a walker, can’t help but move a little faster when he hears the tunes from outside.
The menu is a nostalgic journey in itself, featuring classics like jaffles and fish and chip shop burgers, but with a modern twist.
“We make our own gelato and hand form our own patties,” Jem adds. “We like to do everything from scratch throughout our venues. With Pop’s, it’s our homage to the past, but it’s done our way. It’s those little things that make the experience special.”
It’s a good point. The décor, with its glass shelves and wood panelling, may draw people in, but it’s the food and hospitality that keep them coming back. And in an industry where venues seem to close as quickly as they open, Pop’s stands out by tapping into something timeless.
“People love nostalgia, and we’re hoping to become a place where people can relive those memories – or create their own,” says Jem. “The Gold Coast is a young city, but it’s growing so fast. We’re trying to provide the essence of those memories in our way.”
